KISS bassist and frontman Gene Simmons spoke with the Huffington Post Live where gave a few blunt tips to fellow immigrants. He insists that they must “learn to speak goddamn English” if they want to make it in America. See the video below.
56 years ago, Israeli-born Simmons immigrated to the US with his mother, and felt no need for any sort of political correctness in his explanation.
“I was welcomed by America and its people and given all the advantages of native-born children,” Simmons stated. “Which is astonishing, when you think about it, because in other countries, they would have ground me up and put me in a can of dog food. And in America I could think what I wanted to think, do as I pleased and reach for the stars.”
Getting down to specific tips, Simmons noted that a simple guideline needs to be followed. “Get rid of your accent; I did. Be a legal immigrant; I’m a legal immigrant. Come to the country, just buckle your knees a little bit, make the effort to learn the culture, assimilate to the point that you can. You’re all proud of who you are, where you come from … Great. Whatever you’re proud of, just tip your hat to America, which is the melting pot and makes it all possible. Agree to one culture that we can all communicate with and then go off and speak Swahili and Farsi and whatever you wanna talk.
I’m actually saying the thing that needs to be said, ’cause the politically correct climate is bulls–t. You don’t want to upset anybody by saying, ‘Learn to speak goddamn English.’ So, as an immigrant, I’m telling you: learn to speak goddamn English. It is the key that will unlock the keys to the kingdom.”
Also, an odd thing happened during the chat, as the interview got hijacked by the Black Lips, demanding the surrender of the KISS army. “Mr. Simmons! We’re here to tell you that the day of misogynistic, sexist rock ‘n’ roll is over! We call for the complete and utter surrender of the KISS Army. Lay down your guitars! Do you accept our terms of surrender?” the band shouted.
Gene didn’t hesitate to strike back, saying, “Yes. I surrender entirely. And I wanted to compliment your mom for the wonderful way that she designed the decorations in the basement that she lets you live in. I think it’s very attractive. I hope you get to leave your mom’s basement soon. Remember: Learn to speak English. Good education, that will help. I did it, you can too.”
After being told that the Black Lips and not merely three random guys wearing makeup and living in their mom’s basement, Simmons asked, “But they’re not black, what are they – racist? Why are they calling themselves ‘black?'”
source: ultimate-guitar.com
49 Responses
I agree with these comments for sure! Has Gene put his foot in his mouth with any stupid comments on Robin Williams death does anybody know?
I think he’s right. Lack of assimilation is due to pure, unadulterated laziness. People used to come here and want to work hard and fit in, usually because they appreciated the chance. Nowadays? Forget it. As soon as they cross the border they have their hands out and are whining about something. And no, we do not have any more Lemon Pledge. You have to buy that yourself.
Well, I hate to say it, but “Gene is kindda right”, I mean it sounds kind of mean, but has its true on it. I’m not from the US, and we all ask the same to foreigners than stay to leave whether they speak the language or not (refering to the cultural thing he says). Many people from my country try to live the “American Dream”, I think if they want to blend in, they have to speak the language and get with the program. I just do not agree if people are trying to make it, and somebody, just for politics sake, does something to prevent them from achieving their goal.
Also, many, like me, just ask them not to forget where they came from, and if the have offspring, to pass that on. Still, Gene is a doushebag, he is no one to give advise on anything, maybe just his family.
At the end of the day, to understand it, we have to step on the “others” shoes.
In other news, Mike Portnoy is perfect!
Gene is a man of high intelligence, although like Ted Nugent, as he gets older he suffers from foot in mouth disease occasionally. On this point however, Gene is correct. People used to come to this country for opportunity and freedom. They also understood a key component of achieving the American dream was to speak the language. It was also understood that America allowed immigrants in that would enrich our nation, not take from it. A win-win if you will. My ancestors came from Germany, and around their little ones would only speak the best broken English they could so the children would assimilate and succeed. Folks who come here today with no intention of learning the language have no desire to assimilate will not succeed or enrich our nation. A nation that doesn’t protect its borders, language, and culture cannot endure…
“A nation that doesn’t protect its borders, language, and culture cannot endure…”
So much for The USA being a melting pot of immigrants from all over the world…now we have to protect our borders?
Duh. “Protect” doesn’t mean to never allow access. Don’t you protect the entry to your house with a door and a lock for the protection of your family? Then after you confirm who is knocking you decide whether or not to let them in? Countries have always done this for the common protection and interest of its citizens, including America when the term “melting pot” was first used. “Melting pot” also applies when folks want to assimilate yet respect their particular heritage. It is not a melting pot when folks come here with no intention of assimilating and do not share a common set of ideals. Then it becomes a collection of folks who can’t communitcate and who are quite possibly working towards mutually exclusive goals. A little league baseball team couldn’t succeed in those circumstances and neither can a nation in the long run…